§ 15. Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what 415 grounds he decided to approve construction of the bypass at Wilstead, on the A6.
§ Mr. MarksThe bypass has been constructed on road safety and environmental grounds, as part of the general improvement of the A6 trunk road between Bedford and Luton.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the Minister aware that there is no comparison between the need for this bypass, which was in my view minimal, and the need for a bypass of Silsoe, which is five miles down the A6—where conditions are appalling—and a bypass of Ampthill, for which there is a crying need? Does he not agree that there is something seriously wrong with priorities when £330,000 can be so misapplied? Will the Minister please look into it?
§ Mr. MarksI am not aware of any objections to the bypass. It will bring benefits to the area. The question whether the Wilstead bypass should take precedence over bypasses at Silsoe and Ampthill is not a matter for the Government. The Silsoe scheme is taking longer to reach construction stage because of the Wrest Park ancient monument. The Ampthill scheme is the responsibility of the Bedfordshire County Council, within the framework of its transport policy.